I work as an investment officer for my 9-5, so I'm always looking to see if the numbers work before I make an offer. 

I am a loan officer so I could be able to help you navigate this.

He's paid the sheriffs office twice and they haven't got them out.

Might also try one of the stock brokerages that has intl offices as well like Schwab or Fidelity.I would also get it here in the bank account and ready to spend, before you do much work with them. 

In Franklinton there are plenty of large projects going on that will bring massive growth to the west side of Columbus, such as the Peninsula Development, which is a multiphase project that will erect a 24 story apartment complex featuring a grocery store, a multi use office space building, and a new hotel featuring a two-story venue.

Their office staff ordering the microwave and coordinating delivery and install would qualify as "labor," so I don't think there's much there. 

For me personally, I would leave it a loft so the renter could have a playroom for kids, office space, family room, etc.

The police & animal control are very little help because of a lack of resources... always good to see my tax dollars at work!

Personally, I wouldn't spend money on an attorney because 1) I think the covenants/restrictions can sensibly be used against STRs and 2) because the HOA potentially has deep pockets if the officers decide to fight because they can pass the cost of the fight to the home owners.I would reach out to the officers to get their sentiments and to plead my case, and I would start building my case with the other homeowners. 

Chat with a trusted loan officer to figure what the numbers would look like.